saturday, jun 22 (9am) – Sunday, Jun 23 (5pm)
Paulushoef Retreat Center, Son, Netherlands

As leaders, we’ve all had moments of real serendipity. A page opens to a random word that inspires the day. A colleague reaches out at just the right moment. An opportunity emerges from the blue and the body tingles with a clear “YES!”. Something becomes possible that wasn’t. 

Of course, we’ve all had times of ignoring or rejecting such calls as well. We’re already doing too much and everyone’s too tired, we say. It’s too expensive. I have things to take care of. That doesn’t really mean anything.  The opportunity or the clue passes us by and we retreat back to habitual patterns and eventually wonder what could have been. 

Well, here’s an idea: we can make a new choice. Maybe now, those whispers grow to a crescendo that can no longer be ignored. Maybe now is the time for more inspired leadership. 

In that spirit, we invite you to a very special weekend. A weekend designed to cultivate serendipity. To illuminate a sense of wonder. And to call you back to flow so you can do the same for others. 

Even if the demands of the world turn tough–and things are tough in so many ways right now–we still have a choice. Do we shut down in response to our growing dread or righteous anger? Do we collapse under the weight of our grief? Or can we acknowledge and feel those feelings–and then return to inspired action in service to something larger? 

In short: when we realize we’ve fallen out of flow, can we get back in? And once we’re back into flow, can we stay there–or at least keep it close?

• Entrepreneurs wanting more energy, deeper connection, and greater impact 

• Trainers, facilitators and coaches seeking new tools for engagement with clients
• Leaders who want to lead from inspiration
• Anyone seeking to rediscover playfulness at work, in relationships, or with decision-making
• Those who feel an intuitive “yes!” to the retreat description, even without knowing exactly why 

During our time together, we’ll start by building connection and trust. We’ll limber up our physical, emotional and mental bodies so we’re ready to receive and create.  We’ll ask great questions and quiet down to listen for answers. And we’ll explore what emerges, both individually and collectively.

We’ll draw on activities and wisdom from the worlds of improvisation, mindfulness, presence, emotional intelligence, and leadership coaching. We’ll likely use exercises that are completely new to you and some that are more familiar–but will get a refreshed and vitalizing twist.

In the end, we’ll leave the weekend deeply reassured that connecting with our respective flows helps us lead with greater authenticity and deeper service. 

You will come away with a renewed and revitalized playful presence–and you will have gained tools to help you find and sustain that flow state when you return back home. When you live and lead this way, you gain access to all your powers and to the support of forces larger than yourself.

You will learn to:   

• Get more Present in whimsical ways so you’re nimbly eager for what comes next
• Learn to Listen deeply to understand what’s happening in any given moment, including what might be blocking your flow–including thoughts, emotions, expectations, and the judgments of others–and what might be supporting it
• Accept the reality of what arises–that it’s there–and start to make conscious choices in resourceful response rather than in knee-jerk reaction
• Say Yes to the new abilities and insights that show up, finding ways to create and take inspired action

“I was very surprised by (this) combination of playful and presence (and found great) inspiration to actually be more  fully ‘present, in the moment’.’ After the retreat I now integrate more playfulness in my practices and in my daily life–all with more improvisation, spontaneity, fun, and creativity as a result. Big recommendation!” 

–Playful Presence Retreat participant, Jan 2024

Saturday, June 22nd (9am) – Sunday, June 23rd (5pm), 2024 

The weekend will start on the morning of June 22nd and run through the afternoon of Sunday, June 23rd. Over the weekend, we’ll share some delicious hand-prepared, vegetarian meals (lunch both days and dinner on Saturday), animated activities, heart-opening questions, and restorative silence. We’ll finish by 5pm on Sunday. 

We are still designing details for the weekend so specific timing remains in flux but we expect our rhythm to look something like this:   

Saturday, Jun 22nd
9:00 am               Welcome
9:30 am               Morning Program
1:00 pm                Lunch
2:00 pm               Afternoon Program
6:30 pm               Dinner
7:45 pm               Evening Program and Midsummer Campfire
10:00 pm             Evening Close  

Sunday, Jun 23rd

9:00 am              Morning Program
12:30 pm             Lunch
1:30 pm               Afternoon Program
5:00 pm              Program Close

Paulushoef Retreat Center, Son, Netherlands  

The workshop will take place at the charming and beautiful Paulushoef Retreat Center in Son. We will gather in a gorgeous and uplifting meeting room, surrounded by open fields, beautiful trees, and lovely gardens. 

Some guests may choose to book an available room on site. Others may opt for lodging in co-facilitator Annemarie’s sweet garden space in Veldhoven 20 minutes away by car. (Annemarie’s spots are basic but super-cozy.) Those wishing more luxurious accommodations are welcome to book another space on Air BnB. When you register, we will send a list of available options.

Eindhoven Center and Eindhoven airport are each approximately 20 minutes distance by taxi. The closest train station would be Best (that is, Best is the best station).  

The $650 (approx. €625) early-bird course fee for those who register on or before May 10 covers the cost of two dedicated, full-time facilitators and three delicious meals with vegetarian and gluten-free options. After May 10, registration will be $950.

For that investment, you will gain: 

• practical and playful tools for returning to flow
• new techniques for moving through and integrating life’s unpleasant moments
• greater access to intuition and inner wisdom
• a new sense of wonder and possibility for your leadership
• a more resilient readiness for making connection and taking inspired action
• deep connection with fellow participants who might become lifelong friends

If you want to join us but need to extend payment over time, we’re happy to find an arrangement that works for you. Please reach out with any questions.

We’re continuing to follow a shared impulse, saying a vibrant “YES!” to the serendipity that brought this collaboration forward. 

We want to help you do the same with your own little-whisper leanings so you, too, can take inspired action. 

We envision a room full of amazing individuals, gathering and playing with good energy to create a memorable experience together. 

In the end, we hope you’ll get to reset, recharge, and strengthen your own relationship to flow so your leading and living fulfill–and exceed–your wildest dreams. 

If you also feel a “YES!” to this adventure, please: hop on board!

If you have further questions about the workshop, please contact Ted and/or Annemarie directly via email.  (ted@animalearning.com and annemarie@steentrain.com)